CONCERT REVIEW: THE LUMINEERS: THE AUTOMATIC WORLD TOUR BOSTON’S FENWAY PARK

On Friday July 18, 2025, The Lumineers: The “Automatic” World Tour stopped at Boston’s Fenway Park, America's most beloved Ballpark, opening in 1912 and hosting the Red Sox baseball games. It was an extraordinary night of music. Around thirty-five thousand people attended the concert that has been described by Wesley Schultz, the guitarist and lead vocalist for the folk-rock band The Lumineers, as one of the most spectacular performances that have been done by the group during their existence. 

It was a great night of music with Hippo Campus and St. Vincent, as the two great rock bands opening for The Lumineers.  

At 6:30 p.m. Hippo Campus, the American indie rock band from Saint-Paul, Minnesota, hit the stage. The band was formed when Jake Luppen (lead vocals/guitar), Nathan Stocker (lead guitar/vocals), Zach Sutton (bass/keyboard), and Whistler Isaiah (drums/vocals) met at the Saint Paul Conservatory for Performing Artists where they studied jazz and Luppen trained in opera. In Boston’s Fenway Park, Hippo Campus played with the following band members: Jake Luppen (lead vocals/ guitar), Nathan Stocker (lead guitar/ vocals), Zach Sutton (bass guitar/ keyboards/vocals), Whistler Allen (drums, vocals), DeCarlo Jackson (trumpet/acoustic guitar/ percussion), and Samuel Calvo (keyboards). They were great, terrific and extraordinary during their one hour show performances. Their musical inclinations appear to be firmly rooted in the UK, drawing inspiration from notable artists such as Little Comets and King Krule.

Hippo Campus recorded and released an EP entitled Tarzan Rejects in 2013. This EP consisted of five tracks, two of which are original recordings of the songs “Little Grace” and “South.”

8:00 p.m. St. Vincent as the second opener came on stage. Anne Erin Clark known professionally as St. Vincent was terrific at Boston’s Fenway Park. Her guitar playing, prai for its melodic style and use of distortion, has been listed among the best guitarists of the 21 st century by multiple publications. Rolling Stone named Clark the 26^th-greatest guitarist of all time in 2023.

Her debut solo studio album Marry Me, was released in 2007; it was followed by Actor (2009) and Strange Mercy (2011). In 2012, St. Vincent released Love This Giant, an album made in collaboration with David Byrne of Talking Heads. Her fourth studio album, St. Vincent (2014), received widespread acclaim from contemporary critics and was named album of the year by Slant Magazine, NME, The Guardian and Entertainment Weekly. She collaborated with producer and songwriter Jack Antonoff for her albums Masseduction (2017) and Daddy’s Home (2021) and self-produced her seventh studio album All Born Screaming (2024). 

St. Vincent produced Sleater-Kinney's ninth studio album The Center Won't Hold (2019) and co-wrote Taylor Swift's Billboard Hot 100 number one single "Cruel Summer." She also directed a segment in the horror anthology film XX (2017) and co-wrote and starred in the psychological thriller film The Nowhere Inn (2020). During her career, she won six Grammy Awards, three of which are for Best Alternative Music Album, tying the record for wins in that category.  

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ollowing St. Vincent, at 9:30 p.m. with full energy and great excitement, The Lumineers arrived on stage. Formed in 2005 in Ramsey, New Jersey, by Wesley Schultz (vocals and guitar) and Jeremiah Fraites (drums and percussion), The Lumineers moved to Denver, Colorado, and expanded their lineup. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2012, helped the group to climb to the top of the music charts with the hit single "Ho Hey". The song was featured in multiple commercials and TV shows. The band released three more albums: Cleopatra in 2016, III in 2019, and Brightside in 2022.

Each album has contributed to the success of The Lumineers and has solidified their presence in the indie music scene. "Cleopatra" debuted as number one on the US Billboard 200. The band's music has earned them several awards and nominations, highlighting their significant impact on the folk-rock genre.

To Tell the truth, it was a terrific night of music. Fenway Park is the perfect venue for this kind of event. The fans were very enthusiastic to listen to the best Lumineers songs of all time: "No Hey" - Cleopatra - Sleep on the Floor - Stubborn Love - Flowers in your Hair - Angela - Where We Are - Gloria - A.M. Radio...

"Ophelia" upbeat melody and catchy lyrics has created an atmosphere of joy and exaltation in the public. This song is one of the best Lumineers songs of all time and has been a fan favorite since its release. The song features a combination of folk and rock elements that make it a unique and enjoyable listening experience. "Ophelia" is a perfect representation of The Lumineers's style and is a testament to their talent as musicians and songwriters.

"Sleep on the Floor" is another song that has transported the fans at Fenway Park to a place of wanderlust and adventure. Lumineers' lead vocalist, Wesley Schultz, wrote the song in tribute to his wife, who made the bold decision to leave the small town and pursue her dreams in New York City. The song's catchy melody and Schultz's emotive vocals create a sense of longing and excitement that make it one of the Lumineers' greatest hits.

The song "No Hey" talks about feelings of loneliness, uncertainty, and the search for belonging. The lyrics express a longing for connection:

(Ho!) I've been tryin' to do it right

(Hey!) I've been livin' a lonely life

(Ho!) I've been sleepin' here instead

(Hey!) I've been sleepin' in my bed

(Ho!) Sleepin' in my bed

(Hey!)

(Ho!)

At Fenway Park in Boston, The Lumineers performed with a list of talented musicians including Wesley Schultz, a founding member of the group, who had served as the lead vocalist and guitarist since the band's inception in 2005. Jeremiah Fraites co-founder of The Lumineers has been the band's drummer and pianist. Other touring members included: Stelth Ulvang (piano, keyboards), Byron Isaaacs (bass, guitar, backing vocals), Brandon Miller (guitar, mandolin, and percussion), Lauren Jacobson (strings, piano, vocals).

With their heartfelt lyrics, soaring harmonies, and infectious melodies, The Lumineers have become one of the most beloved bands of all time. Their performances at Fenway Park in Boston have proved that their effective legacy in the music world stage is real and will continue to grow over the following years.